"The dancing and singing within this celebration have brought out the best of the Tongan people and the Tongan way of life. The essence of our way of life is love. You cannot divert from that." HRH Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita.

"When I perform in a lakalaka, the spirit of the dance fills my heart and I can feel within me such a powerful pouring out of love for my land, my people, my king. It is always a spiritual event for me." Afuha'amango Taumoepeau.